Paso Robles, California: Grab your stein and dust off your lederhosen as Firestone Walker’s fall classic is back with the 2024 edition of Oaktoberfest. As always, this latest release is an oak-inspired homage to the iconic “festbiers” that are synonymous with Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest celebration.
“There’s nothing that I look forward to more than good lager beer like Oaktoberfest,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “A sessionable beer like this is made to be consumed in celebratory moments, but it’s also the perfect everyday drinker.”
The 2024 Oaktoberfest Oak Aged Lager (5.2% ABV) begins rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets this week in 6-pack (12-oz cans) and draft formats. The name, “Oaktoberfest” is a riff on Firestone Walker’s longtime commitment to brewing and aging beer in oak barrels.
A Seasonal Staple
Oaktoberfest has been a seasonal staple at Firestone Walker dating back to the inaugural release in 2006. Each year, however, tweaks are made to take the beer to new heights. For the 2024 edition this included a new finishing hop—Hallertau Mittelfrüh, a classic German heirloom variety.
“Hallertau Mittelfrüh is a perfect fit for Oaktoberfest,” Brynildson said. “It’s less fruity compared to a lot of modern hops, and it has more of a resinous and cedarwood character that really plays well with the beer’s malty base.”
As always, the latest Oaktoberfest was brewed with all-German ingredients, including Weyermann Pilsner malts and Vienna malts, with a dash of Munich and Cara Red. “The Vienna malt helps drive the beer’s golden-amber hue and malty flavors,” Brynildson said. “We’re purposely going for more of a golden hue versus something reddish, because that’s how these beers are in Germany—just a bit more golden than a Helles.”
Stoked on Oak
For the past several years, a portion of Oaktoberfest has been lagered in oak barrels inherited from a Napa Valley cult winery. This year, Brynildson and his team changed it up, sourcing the barrels from Winemaker Russell From of Herman Story Wines in Paso Robles.
“Russell is a good friend of ours, and his barrels are every bit as awesome as anything we’ve used before,” Brynildson said. “We’re not looking for a huge oak or wine impact from the barrels. Rather, the barrels lend a fifth element and an underlying presence in the texture of the beer. It’s hard to put your finger on, but it’s wholly different than if the beer was lagered only in stainless steel.”
Oaktoberfest’s light golden-amber color foreshadows its toasty, biscuity flavor. The oak-barrel lagering allows for an even smoother texture, all while remaining true to the beer’s crisp malt profile and hints of noble hops.
“Oaktoberfest is rich in flavor but also light-bodied and easy to drink—it’s the kind of beer you naturally crave as summer turns to fall,” Brynildson said. “Personally, it brings me back to all of our adventures sourcing hops in Germany and taking our team to experience Oktoberfest firsthand. It’s like putting those experiences into the liquid and then adding an extra touch of California flair.”
Firestone Walker Brewing
Founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker, Firestone Walker is a second-generation, family-led brewery based on California’s Central Coast. Helmed by highly decorated Brewmaster Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker’s main brewery in Paso Robles produces a diverse portfolio including 805, California’s #1 craft beer brand; Mind Haze, a top 5 national hazy IPA; and Cali Squeeze, one of the nation’s fastest-growing beer brands. The Firestone brand family also includes iconic beers such as DBA, Union Jack, and Pivo Pils, as well as the storied Vintage Series of barrel-aged strong ales led by Parabola. As a California beer company, Firestone Walker also has two additional locations: the Barrelworks wild ale cellar in Santa Barbara County and the Propagator R&D brewhouse in Venice. Firestone Walker was recently named “Best American Brewery of the Decade” by Paste Magazine. More at 805beer.com and FirestoneWalker.com